A "Brand" New Image by Kyndahl

A "Brand" New Image by Kyndahl - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

In my current Advanced Placement Government course, I had the opportunity to participate in a Socratic seminar discussing a research report on the negative psychological shifts that Americans undergo due to social media and technology. This report deeply resonated with me because it revealed the real-time effects of social media on human behavior and mental health. The seminar encouraged me to initiate meaningful conversation with my peers. I remember asking, “What specific depictions portrayed in the media have caused body image problems in teenagers?” One of my classmates responded, “The idealization of certain models and celebrities can lead to increased body image concerns.” This answer sparked a lively discussion, allowing me to gain confidence in asking more questions and driving the conversation forward.

This experience reinforced my belief that studying psychology alongside communications will sharpen my social and analytical skills, while also allowing me to approach human behavior from both a scientific and communicative lens. By combining these two fields, I hope to craft more authentic and compelling communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences in our rapidly evolving digital world.

Through this exploration, I’ve realized that I want to become a brand manager. In this role, I aim to ensure that brands on social media do not negatively impact their audiences, particularly when it comes to body image concerns. More importantly, I want to present brands in a way that is inclusive and welcoming to all people, regardless of their background or appearance. It's crucial to me that the content we create and promote does not limit its reach to only certain groups, but instead embraces diversity in all its forms. Studying Communications in college will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to create meaningful relationships and impact positive change in the way brands connect with their audiences.